Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The home of the legendary Real Madrid football team, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium can hold a whopping 80,000 supporters. Located to the north of central Madrid, the stadium was initiated by Real Madrid’s president Santiago Bernabéu in 1947.

Even if you’re not a football fanatic, you’ll be familiar with some of the greats who have played here. The Frenchman Zinedine Zidane, hugely remembered for his dramatic exit from the 2006 World Cup Final, has walked the Santiago Bernabeu and now manages Los Blancos. Current greats you can see play here include the cheeky award-winning Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos.

Real Madrid football team’s trophy room is packed full of honours – they are one of the most successful clubs in the world. From FIFA’s Best Club of the 20th Century to over 30 Spanish La Liga titles and domination in Europe, Los Blancos have won it all. Atmosphere on match day will get you jumping out of your seat, and you could even spot a Spanish royal. Real Madrid was founded in 1902, and in 1920 King Alfonso XIII awarded the club royal patronage. Members of the royal family attend key events in the sporting calendar including national football games.

INSIDR recommendation highlights on our interactive map of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium area

Prepare your visit to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

When to visit Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

To experience the excitement of a football game, make sure you’re here on weekday evenings or weekend late afternoons. If you are more interested in the stadium’s background, there is an option to visit the stadium’s museum with a guide or solo. Check details online before you go.

How long is needed to visit Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

Tours of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium take around one and a half hours. If however you are going to see a game, you need to leave time to find your seat, watch the pre-game entertainment and also to escape the crowds on the way out. As a regular football match lasts 105 minutes, including half time, it’s not uncommon for the experience to take nearly three hours.

What should I wear to visit Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

For football matches you should wear casual comfy clothes, as you will be sitting, and jumping, for around two hours. In good weather don’t forget your sunscreen and shades. If raining, ensure that you bring a poncho. Umbrellas may not be welcome. Don your Real Madrid shirt or scarf.

What is there to see in Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

A star-studded football game

Up to 80,000 fans singing, chanting and cheering, makes for a fantastic atmosphere on match day. Watch the elite Real Madrid knock the ball around the pitch while the opponents just watch. If you get the chance to see ‘El Clásico’, a game between Barcelona and Real Madrid, snap it up. These are the most desirable tickets as Barcelona FC are bitter rivals. Other good options could be a European match or a cup game, these sometimes have more availability. Join in the atmosphere chanting Real Madrid songs or rising for Mexican waves and you’ll feel part of the party.

Players’ dressing room and stadium panorama

Walking into the stadium from the stands is a breathtaking experience. The modern day amphitheater will soon be full of screams, shouting and nervous laughter as a match gets underway. Experience the view of the stadium in its entirety from the many tiers of blue and white stands to the immaculate playing surface. Imagine the amazing achievements that have taken place on this football pitch. Take a backstage tour of the Real Madrid dressing rooms and imagine the player’s banter and nerves before a big match. Sit where they sit and also check out their kits when they’re not there.

The glistening trophy room

This 116-year-old club has managed to collect a truck full of trophies during its successful history. The Spanish giants has accumulated 12 UEFA Champions League titles – seen as the elite competition in European footballing brilliance. Seeing so many accomplishments in one room is awe-inspiring.

Take a look at the leather footballs of grass root football, alongside retro kits. Imagine the iconic occasions whilst going from one boot, football or kit to the next trophy. The trophies shimmer in glass cases and are complemented by stories of one of the world’s greatest football teams.